My Inner Shakti

finding strength in everyday things

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Restaurants

Let’s Talk Career and Motherhood

written by Parita Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago, when I asked my Instagram followers what they wanted me to share and blog about, a few people mentioned stuff around career – why I chose what I did, what I love, what I don’t love, the future, etc.

Today, I’m going to share more about my current job/career, how it supports me as a working mom, what I love, and what I wish was different.

This is me speaking at a conference in Vancouver last December

Background info

This will likely mean nothing, but I’m a Senior People and Culture Manager for a global professional services organization.  I’ve been with my current company for just about seven years now.  In those seven years, I’ve not only been able to work with really amazing people on some cool global projects and initiatives, but I’ve also been able to take my career with me as we moved around for Vishnu’s (from Miami to St. Petersburg (FL) to Chicago.  

Working mama support

On the working mama front, everyone I worked with, especially my boss at the time, was super supportive – both when I left on maternity leave and when I returned. Speaking of maternity leave, I was able to take 16 weeks under my company’s policy, which obviously wasn’t long enough, but I know how lucky I am compared to some.  And as I’ve talked about in the past, upon my return to work, I was (and still am) able to start back on 4/10 schedule where I essentially work four 10 hour days and get Friday off (to do all the things I can’t during the week/weekends). This alone has helped me maintain some degree of sanity, so while my Fridays aren’t always relaxing, I do love my high level of productivity.  A good way to go into the weekend!  

What I love 

First and foremost, I love the people I work with.  They are the #1 reason why I’ve decided to stay here.  

I also love project management, which is a large part of what I do.  And even better, I get to do it on a global scale.  On a given day, I could be working with our firm in the UK, the Philippines, and Argentina.  I get to travel the world without leaving my desk!

Now that I’m a mom, I also appreciate that I can pretty much do my job from anywhere, and that I don’t have to travel too often.  I’m also lucky in that I have the option to work from home a couple of times a week.

I also love where my office is located.  On the days I do go into the office, I love that I can walk to work.  I don’t know how this happened (I strongly prefer warm weather), but unless the temperature is in the teens, I’m walking.  Chicago will do that to you I guess!

What I wish was different

Honestly, from a working mom perspective, this is the ideal role and company for me.  But given that I’ve been here seven years, sometimes I itch for something new.  New company, new industry, new problems to solve, etc.  Then I look at my what I love list and think otherwise!  

My two cents

Whether you’re a work outside of the home mama or not, when it comes to career, I think taking a big picture view is important.  Know what your priorities are and align your decisions to those.  And know that things shift.  Life is made of different seasons.  Some seasons are filled with work travel and long hours, while some are more about balance.  

As I’m learning over time, your career isn’t black or white.  There’s some gray.  But mostly, it’s what you make of it and how you frame it for yourself and the season you’re in.

Written on May 10, 2019 Related:motherhood, working motherhood

10 Pieces of Career Advice

written by Parita 9 Comments

I was recently reflecting on the fact that my college graduation was nine years ago, and that my business school graduation was five years ago.  Umm, what?!  I hate to be all cliché, but time really did fly.  Although it didn’t always feel that way.

With it being graduation season and all, I thought it would be fun to post my top 10 pieces of career advice.  Words that (hopefully) resonate with new grads as well as seasoned professionals. 

Career adviceSo here’s my story and my advice!

Upon graduating from college, I joined a global accounting organization.  A few weeks into the job, I told a friend that I was going to make partner one day.  In that moment in time, I truly meant it.  Fast-forward to about six months later and I wanted out.  For so many reasons, the career that once made me think big and reach for the stars now felt like a heavy brick sitting flat on my chest weighing me down.

I eventually did leave that job.  In fact, I went to business school, earned my MBA, and changed career paths altogether.  And I’m not going to lie.  Every now and then I still feel like I have a brick on my chest.  Even after making a personal and very conscience decision to turn my life upside down for a while.

That’s where the following 10 pieces of career advice come into play.  These are the things I wish someone had told me nine years ago (especially #1 and #2) and the things I still tell myself to this day:

1. Don’t freak out when your first job isn’t a love-at-first-sight kind of experience.  It’s 100% okay not to love your first job out of school.  Heck, it’s okay not to love your second, third, and fourth jobs as well.  It took me a while, but I’ve learned that it’s not about the perfect job.  It’s about adding value, being creative, and making a difference.

2. Don’t be afraid to change career paths.  I majored in Finance, worked for an accounting firm, earned my MBA, worked in traditional HR, and now focus on international strategic HR.  And guess what?  I’ve never been told that my semi-frequent career shifts are a red flag.  If anything, each change has enabled me to focus on assignments I truly enjoy.

3. Find a mentor(s) you can confide in and trust and really nurture and value the relationship.  That one investment will reap considerable returns in the future.

4. Be open to constructive feedback.  When you show up every day, work hard, and put your best foot forward, (most of) the people you work with will have your back.  So, when someone offers you an opportunity for improvement, don’t take it personally.  First and foremost, listen to what the person has to say.  Once you’ve understood and assessed where the feedback and the person are coming from, think about how you can use the information, do just that, and move on.  

5. Do the stuff no one else wants to do.  For example, raise your hand for the tough assignments.  Even if it seems impossible, trust yourself, take a deep breath, and get to work.  You’ll figure it out!

6. Take every opportunity to improve your public speaking and presentation skills!  I know standing up and speaking in a room full of people is scary and daunting.  But if you can face your fears and tackle this, you’ll be light years ahead of most people in your field.  I guarantee it!

7. Speak up!  From having an idea you want to share with your team to believing you deserve a promotion, absolutely nothing will happen unless you speak up.  Easier said than done, I know.  But it’s your career.  Own it.

8. Network, network, network!  Connecting with like-minded people is always a good thing, but keep in mind that it’s not a one-way street.  Remember to do your part by following up, keeping promises, and carrying business cards with you at all times!

9. Try your best to stay away from the proverbial water cooler.  Office gossip will try to lure you into it’s seemingly innocent web.  Don’t fall for it.  Be friendly and stay focused. 

Plus a bonus tip my mom shares with me quite regularly.

10. Don’t just glance over your HR policies.  Pay attention to things like 401ks and HSAs.  And setup an automatic withdrawal that goes from your paycheck directly into your bank account.  This one was hard for me at first, but you won’t miss that money especially when you see it growing and taking on a life of its own.

Nine years and three companies later, I’ve come to realize that the only person who can chip away at the brick(s) that weighs me down is me.  It’s my career and my responsibility.​

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

Written on June 3, 2015 Related:Inspirational, Life, Work

Welcome to My Inner Shakti! This is my little corner of the internet where I explore and share more about the things that give me my inner strength. I hope you stick around! Read More Here...
Subscribe to MIS

Sign up now to receive all the latest from My Inner Shakti straight to your inbox!

Follow me on Feedly!

follow us in feedly

LOVE my blog!

Follow on Bloglovin

categories

Archives

Top Posts!

  • The 3 Things I Am Not
  • Marriage Advice for My Little Sister
  • My Experience with Apple Cider Vinegar
  • An Honest Review of “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”
  • How to Crisp Up a Tortilla
  • Do Not Forget Your Parents
  • DIY Diaper Pail
  • Om Your Way to a Calm Baby
  • Quality vs. Quantity
  • Our Indian Baby Shower!

Follow me on Instagram!

Copyright ©2023, My Inner Shakti. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs